Designer Tips & Tricks; Creating a Vibe.

When it comes to creating a cohesive and knock out space that’s on budget, interior designers have several tricks up their sleeve. From creative material use, budget friendly sourcing, and spatial analysis, a quality designer can blast a bland or chaotic space into the aesthetic stratosphere. This month I’ve curated a list of five situations that often arise in conversations regarding designer tips and tricks.

1.How do you create the biggest bang for you buck with a back splash?

In my September blog post DIY Kitchen Renovation, I eluded to a budget trick regarding the back splash area in a kitchen to make the most drama. Match the tile color identically and paint the remaining above portion of the wall, carrying it to the ceiling. It creates a knockout look for a budget price, particularly if you’ve chosen a bold color of tile. Look for cues from trim and flanking cabinets to decide where to stop extending the accent paint color, keeping it focused above the sink or stove.

The example below shows a pairing of red glass mosaic tile and a swatch of Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2018, Caliente.

2.Is there a budget option to granite or quartz?

Solid surface counters do not get enough attention due to their bigger and more expensive siblings granite and quartz. Its a viable upgrade from laminate counters by far without breaking the bank. The colors are similar to granite and quartz and the material mimics the granular aggregate of natural stone. I recommend selecting matte finish rather than high gloss to hide the scratches on solid surface, however, review solid surface specifications like you would prior to any purchase. Common brands are Meganite, Corian, Staron, and Wilsonart, Its a sensible option for smaller budgets.

3.How do you choose the correct size faucet?

Many people don’t consider the ergonomics behind a faucet, however you will once you do dishes in that sink for the first time. Taller people with longer arms don’t need a faucet that reaches into the sink as far as smaller stature people do. However, shorter people will suffer from backache because of having to reach forward past the middle of the sink. To select a faucet correctly, measure how far forward the head will need to reach to your palms with your elbows resting on the front edge of the sink counter. This will affect your back when washing both hands and dishes. Also, if you wash large pots and pans look at the height of the faucet.

4.How do you lay out a gallery wall correctly?

This one is tricky for me, as I am such a big stickler for symmetry and uniform margins when laying out anything from a floor plan, design board, or artwork. The key to a good gallery wall layout, that’s currently on trend, is balance and spread. It should appear as one large ensemble. Nothing should overhang the area where its centered, no object should overpower the eye’s attention, and objects should be closer together than farther apart. I recommend laying it out on the floor and start with the center objects first.

In the example below, many of the frames are too small for the spacing and the eye is drawn to the meaningless ampersand sign. The mirrors reflect nothing to the viewer. With careful rearranging, the frames can be laid out in a rectangular grid, the mirrors moved to a useful location, while the “and” sign is removed.

5.Where do you find old architectural relics?

If you’re fortunate enough to live in a part of the country where antique malls and fairs occur, definitely check those out, however, one of the best places to source architectural pieces is Habitat For Humanity Restore. New and used Items are donated and then categorized into building sections, like doors, windows, cabinets, furniture, and lighting for example. These stores sell the items to the public and the profits go towards Habitat For Humanity. Check here for store locations.

Whether you’re updating a back splash or counter, changing out your faucets, or adding the finishing touches of decor with art and accessories, creating a harmonious and cohesive look is key to creating the vibe you desire. Interior designers can be a great asset while you procure items for your space. Contact my studio, I’d be happy to help.